Huntington Bank will present scholarships totaling $6,600 to four University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation students on Tuesday, June 30.

The recipients, who each received $1,650, are Dana Thomas, marketing; Hala Abou-Dahech, human resource management; Richard Ference, finance; and Victor Pereira, supply chain management and international business.

The students will be presented the scholarships at 4 p.m. in the Huntington Sales Lab, located on the fourth floor of the college’s Savage & Associates Business Complex on the UT Main Campus.

“We were extremely impressed with the recipients, their academic records at UT, and their personal achievements in life,” said Joel Jerger, senior vice president of Huntington Bank, Toledo. “These students clearly reflect the capable and talented individuals that the University is developing, while the scholarships reflect Huntington’s commitment to recognize and support such amazing people in Northwest Ohio. We look forward to continuing to work with the University as it educates the next generation of leaders.”

Through an expanding banking program between Huntington Bank and UT, Huntington is providing $150,000 in academic programming and scholarships for students and additional convenient banking options on campus.

“Both The University of Toledo and the College of Business and Innovation are extremely grateful to Huntington Bank for their outstanding support of our tremendous students,” said Dr. Gary Insch, dean of the college. “Huntington is serious about its role as UT’s banking partner, and these scholarships reflect their commitment to provide meaningful financial support to some of our extraordinary business students.”

“Graduating from college has always been a dream and a high-priority goal in my life,” Abou-Dahech said. “I know for a fact that this dream would be extremely difficult, if not impossible to attain, if it wasn’t for the generous donors who offer these scholarships to help fund our education as students. I want to thank Huntington for granting me one of these scholarships.”

“I am honored to be a recipient of the Huntington Bank Scholarship,” Thomas said. “It may sound cliché, but this scholarship means the world to me. I’m leaving in August to study abroad in Spain and this scholarship plays a major role in my ability to have the ultimate global experience. Words cannot express how grateful I am for the support of Huntington and its associates.”

“I am honored and grateful for being selected as a recipient of the Huntington scholarship,” Ference said. “I hope the committee knows how much this money will help me better achieve my career goals.”

Accounting professionals from throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan will attend a celebratory dinner recognizing the recent departmental accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) of the accounting department in The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation. The event will be held at 5:30 p.m Tuesday, May 19 in The Inverness Club in Toledo.

The accounting department received notification of the accreditation in March following an onsite review of the program by the AACSB accreditation team earlier this year. It was the first attempt by the COBI accounting department to obtain the distinctive accreditation.

“This is a voluntary accreditation obtained by only 1.3 percent (183 institutions) of accounting programs in business schools around the world and it would not have happened without the extensive and generous support the accounting department has received from accounting professionals in the regional business community,” said Dr. Hassan HassabElnaby, chair of the department. “Their continuing involvement with our students and graduates through mentoring, internships, jobs and financial support significantly contributes to our program’s success, so we wanted to thank the individuals and companies in the accounting profession for their mutually beneficial relationships with the college”

“The expertise of these accounting professionals creates a high standard of performance that both informs and inspires our students,” Dr. HassabElnaby added, “which further ensures employers in this region and across the country that our accounting department graduates are ready to perform on day one of their jobs.”

The AASCB is an association of educational institutions, businesses and other organizations devoted to the advancement of higher education, and is the premier accrediting agency of collegiate business schools and accounting programs worldwide.

Hillary Clinton’s recent visit to Chipotle in Maumee brought national media attention to northwest Ohio. Commentary on Clinton’s fiscal policy, the driving theme behind her Presidential campaign and even an examination of what she ordered – a chicken burrito bowl – have appeared on numerous news broadcasts, web sites and blogs.

“Hillary Clinton is something of a pop culture icon, and the attention surrounding her visit increases awareness of the restaurant and creates a great deal of excitement,” said Dr. Ainsworth Bailey, associate professor of marketing at The University of Toledo. “We like to tell ourselves that we aren’t impacted by the habits of celebrities but the truth is, we are. If we weren’t, celebrity endorsements of brands and events would not exist.”

Celebrities, athletes and politicians alike have long been tied to the fashion, beauty and food industries whether as paid or, in the case of Clinton, accidental brand ambassadors.

“I think any kind of “celebrity effects,” in terms of increased visits, would be limited to the Maumee store, so people would be more likely to want to shop there as opposed to others in the Toledo area,” Bailey said. “Those who may not have been aware that there was a Chipotle in Maumee now know, and can visit.”

Bailey also explained how Clinton’s visit could be polarizing for some, due to political dynamics. It will increase interest for certain groups, and negatively impact others.

“I do not think there is going to be a sustained “Clinton effect,” though. However, if Hillary Clinton were to become President, the Maumee store could actually capitalize on that. ‘Congrats to the first female President. Thanks for having stopped in!’”

The Accounting Department in The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation has received, in its first attempt, a departmental accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This is a voluntary accreditation obtained by only 1.3 percent (182 institutions) of accounting programs in the 13,670 business schools around the world.

“It takes a great deal of self-evaluation and determination to earn both accounting and business accreditation, and I commend The University of Toledo for its dedication to management education, as well as its leadership in the community,” said Robert D. Reid, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB International.

“The AACSB is recognized around the world as the premier accrediting body for business schools and their accounting programs, and the requirements and documentation that must be met are exceptional,” said Dr. Gary Insch, dean of the College of Business and Innovation. “We take great pride in obtaining a distinction shared by less than 2 percent of all college accounting departments in the world. As such, I want to emphasize to students and parents that The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation is the place to study accounting, as well as to remind accounting firms and employers of the remarkable talent they know they will find in our accounting graduates.”

“This is both a tremendous achievement and an exceptional recognition for the Department of Accounting in the College of Business and Innovation,” said Dr. Hassan HassabElnaby, chair of the department. “We are proud to pass this rigorous process, which required a significant amount of work from our faculty, staff and students.”

The AASCB is an association of educational institutions, businesses and other organizations devoted to the advancement of higher education, and is the premier accrediting agency of collegiate business schools and accounting programs worldwide.

The accounting department strategic review from the AACSB team focused on the delivery of high-quality education, continuous improvement and market relevance.

“The AACSB accounting accreditation ensures both students and parents that the accounting department is providing a top-quality education. Additionally, it ensures employers across the country that UT COBI accounting department graduates are ready to perform on day one,” HassabElnaby said.

Particular strengths of the UT COBI Accounting Department mentioned in the accreditation’s report include:

•  “The faculty is very committed to being educators and to their students.”
•  “The department chair is a committed dynamic leader.”
•  “The members of the Accounting Advisory Board are truly dedicated and concerned about the Department and are willing to serve on Departmental faculty committees.”
•  “The Alan Berry Accounting Lab, funded last year by a donor, is an excellent resource for accounting students.”
•  “The Department has an environment, including faculty, support staff and facilities that indicate that they have an overall high quality environment. Faculty, staff and administration of the Department of Accounting are committed to continuous improvement and their results clearly show that it has been a success, and their strategic plan and faculty illustrates their commitment to continue to move forward.”

“Dean Insch, Dr. HassabElnaby and the faculty, directors and staff of The University of Toledo are to be commended for their role in earning accreditation in accounting, as well as for maintaining excellence in their overall business programs,” Reid said.

Media Coverage
PR Newswire (April 1, 2015)
The Blade (April 2, 2015)

The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation and the Business Engagement and Leadership Council are recognizing both business and academic excellence during their 52nd annual Pacemaker Awards today.

The event is at 7 p.m. Friday, March 27 at the Inverness Country Club.

The 2015 recipient of the Business Pacemaker Award is Steven M. Cavanaugh, the executive vice president and chief operating officer of HCR ManorCare, Inc.

In his capacity as chief operating officer at HCR ManorCare, Cavanaugh has oversight responsibility for all of the company’s day-to-day operations as well as the company’s public policy and government relations activities. He also serves as a member of the company’s Board of Directors.

HCR ManorCare is a post-acute health care services company that operates skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, home health and hospice agencies and outpatient rehabilitation. It does business in over 500 locations nationwide and employs nearly 60,000 employees who provide care to over 200,000 patients annually.

A native of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Cavanaugh earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, magna cum laude, from The University of Toledo. He was appointed to UT Board of Trustees by Ohio Governor John Kasich in April, 2014 and is also former chairman of the Business Advisory Council for the College of Business and Innovation.

Cavanaugh and his wife Tiffany reside in Holland, Ohio, and are the parents of two children.

“Recipients of the Pacemaker Award over the past five decades read as a who’s who of current and legendary business leaders in the Toledo region and Steve certainly belongs in that impressive roster,” said Dr. Gary Insch, dean of the UT College of Business and Innovation. “The Pacemaker Award is the college’s highest honor, recognizing an individual for outstanding achievement in business as well as contributions to the community and the University. His highly successful career, outstanding leadership and tremendous generosity make him the ideal business professional to receive this year’s award.”

“Steven and Tiffany are generous supporters of the college, and have enabled the college to pursue new initiatives,” Insch added. “They also have recently established an endowed fund to provide scholarships, which are vital to attracting talented honor students to the college. It is a gift that will impact generations to come.”

Student Pacemaker Awards are presented to UT College of Business and Innovation graduate and undergraduate students for their outstanding academic achievement, University and community service, and leadership.

The 2015 student Pacemakers are: Applied Organizational Technology – Jessie Instone; Accounting – Lindsey Shepherd, Wenchao Li; Finance – James Spieth, James McSherry; Information Operations Technology Management – Amanda Bleasdale, Alexa Jarrett; Management – Jake Tullis, Christina Koepke; Marketing/International Business – Elizabeth Weiler, Alexandra Orr; MBA – Deanna Bobak, Katie Griggs; Ph.D. – Canchu Lin.

A seminar for local leaders interested in economic development will introduce a new book on the topic by University of Toledo President Emeritus Dr. Daniel M. Johnson.

The half-day seminar, Leading Economic Development: A Seminar for Local Public Officials and Civic Leaders, will be Friday, March 27, from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel on UT’s Health Science Campus. The event is sponsored by the UT Urban Affairs Center and the UT Press.

Johnson, who authored the new book Leading Economic Development: A Toolkit for Public Officials and Civic Leaders published by the UT Press, is a keynote speaker at the seminar.

Former Ohio Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher also will deliver a keynote addresses and the seminar will include a panel discussion featuring Paula Hicks-Hudson, mayor of Toledo; Joe Napoli, general manager of the Toledo Mud Hens; Jeffrey Potter, president of Potter Technologies and host of a radio show on Toledo business; and Dr. Frank Calzonetti, UT’s vice president for governmental relations.

Following the seminar Johnson will host a free reception and book signing from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Faculty Club at the Radisson.

Johnson’s book is a primer for how those new to the field, or who want to become more successful, can lead economic development in their communities. Basing his work on the best minds and current scholarship in economic development, Johnson presents concepts in an approachable way that will be helpful to the novice and the experienced professional.

The book draws on his experience not only as a president of UT where he made economic development part of the University’s mission, but also on work he has done throughout his career in Illinois, Virginia, Texas, Alaska and Dubai.

Johnson has served in higher education leadership for more than 30 years, during which he fostered collaborations and partnerships between his universities, government and industry.

“Dan Johnson reinforces in this book that economic development is much more than financial incentives. It is about connecting your distinctive assets of people, place and opportunity,” Fisher said.

The book, which includes a foreword by Fisher, features chapters on economic clusters, globalization, branding, workforce development, the role of universities in economic development, private sector economic development and future trends in the field.

For more information, or to register for the seminar, visit uac.utoledo.edu or call 419.530.2170. The cost of the seminar is $25, which includes a copy of Johnson’s book. The deadline to register is Monday, March 23.

Johnson’s book is available for purchase on utoledopress.com.

Approximately 100 major companies will be seeking talent at The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation annual winter job fair Friday, Feb. 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Student Union Auditorium.

Local and national companies scheduled to participate include Buckeye CableSystem, Chrysler, First Solar Inc., HCR ManorCare, Libbey Glass, Marathon Petroleum Corp., Owens Corning and Therma-Tru Doors.

“The tremendous participation of so many well-known businesses at our semiannual job fair reflects very positively on the quality of both our programs and our students,” said Dr. Terribeth Gordon-Moore, senior associate dean of the UT College of Business and Innovation. “It also demonstrates the extremely dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship enjoyed by our college and major national recruiting companies such as Coca-Cola, JP Morgan Chase Bank and the Finish Line.”

“Employers are looking for undergraduate students to participate in business internships and their leadership development programs, as well as for seniors and graduates seeking full-time employment,” she added. “We also strongly encourage all our students, including freshmen, to attend the job fair, engage these company representatives now, and begin a relationship with these employers.

“This job fair is part of what we do to prepare our students for their futures,” Gordon-Moore explained, adding that the college’s Business Career Programs Office works year-round to assist students in acquiring internships and jobs upon graduation. “We strive to provide the necessary resources so our students can conduct their own tailored job searches.”

More than 85 percent of UT College of Business and Innovation students participate in internships, and the job placement rate for these business graduates is greater than 80 percent, even in recent economic times.

Huntington Bank will present scholarships totaling $10,000 to five University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation students at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22 in the Huntington Sales Lab, located on the fourth floor of the college’s Savage & Associates Business Complex.

The recipients are graduate student Cassandra Wenman ($3,000) and undergraduate students Paviele Pena ($2,000); Kaleigh Rapp ($2,000), Jae Huth ($2,000) and Boram Kim ($1,000).

“We were extremely impressed with the recipients, and their respective accomplishments and aspirations – a compliment to the talented students that the University is developing,” said Joel Jerger, senior vice president of Huntington Bank, Toledo. “The scholarships reflect Huntington’s commitment to Northwest Ohio. We look forward to continuing to work with the University as it educates the next generation of leaders.”

Through an expanded banking program between Huntington Bank and UT, Huntington is providing $150,000 in academic programming and scholarships for students and additional convenient banking options on campus.

“Both The University of Toledo and the College of Business and Innovation are extremely grateful to Huntington Bank for their outstanding support of our tremendous students,” said Dr. Gary Insch, dean of the college. “Huntington is serious about its role as UT’s banking partner, and these new scholarships reflect their commitment to provide meaningful financial support to some of our extraordinary business students.”

Rapp, a junior double majoring in accounting and finance, said, “Becoming a recipient of this scholarship shows that my hard work has paid off. It really means a lot that I was chosen out of a pool of recipients to represent the College of Business and Innovation. This scholarship is going to help me achieve my academic goals because I will be able to focus more on my school work rather than the stress of making ends meet.”

The University of Toledo’s College of Business and Innovation is again partnering with United Parcel Service (UPS) and the U.S. Commercial Service to provide area small- and medium-sized businesses access to experts who will help their companies enter new global markets through the GlobalTarget program.

This is the fourth year the college is offering this program.

Beginning in March, GlobalTarget participants will meet monthly for nine months in specialized sessions covering relevant topics based on an understanding of current members’ needs. The program then helps companies develop plans to improve their business’ supply chain, identify talent, understand export financing and develop market entry strategies.

“It’s a global world. Facilitating existing or new exporters to enter foreign markets benefits all of Northwest Ohio,” said Dr. Gary Insch, dean of the College of Business and Innovation. “Companies often recognize that expanding to global markets is something they should do. We make it easier for them to do this, because we have the experts who will show them how to proceed. Furthermore, we provide them with all the criteria for success, whether they have a manufactured product or intellectual property.”

“Global Target not only assists companies that are planning to conduct international business, but it also works with businesses already doing business globally who are looking for ways to expand their international presence,” said Debbe Skutch, director of UT’s Center for Family & Privately-Held Business and GlobalTarget Program coordinator. “Furthermore, GlobalTarget is the first organized, focused attempt in this region to not only provide information, but to actually match local manufacturing companies with foreign markets.”

Kurt Miller of Northwood Industries found his recent experience with GlobalTarget very beneficial. “The UT Global Target program covered topics that included understanding business and social cultures, credit policy and getting paid, international marketing and shipping. Topics were led by knowledgeable individuals who work directly in those areas of international business.”

He added, “I think our greatest lesson from the GlobalTarget program was the quality of professional contacts available to us and the vast resources accessible to companies who want to pursue international business.”

Maureen Georgevich of Right Way Safety Equipment said, “GlobalTarget is not only an educational experience, but also a celebration of local businesses. Right Way Safety is better prepared to handle the importing and exporting of goods from other countries. We will utilize shipping strategies to keep costs low and we have a better understanding of international contracts and legalities, which will ensure that business continues to run smoothly.”

“The resources, advice and knowledge offered by the guest speakers are valuable beyond estimation,” she added. “Those who spoke were eager to answer any questions and help with any dilemmas. The experience will surely benefit us for years to come.”

GlobalTarget participants also have access to the International Trade Assistance Center, which provides free export assistance services to small- and medium-sized businesses. Services include market research; an examination of their culture, finances and resources to make sure they are ready to export; locating sources of funding, such as a loan or grant; export compliance education; cultural and language assistance; export documentation, and logistics.

Other features and benefits of GlobalTarget include access to ancillary educational programs offered by the college, such as the Schmidt School of Professional Sales and the Center for Family and Privately-Held Business, and site visits to area companies that have already achieved a level of success in global entrepreneurship.

A limited number of grant and funding opportunities are available for the GlobalTarget series that begins in March. For more information and to download a registration form visit utoledo.edu/business/global or call UT’s Center for Family and Privately-Held Business at 419.530.2068.

A nationally renowned leader will address The University of Toledo graduates at the fall commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 20 in Savage Arena at 10 a.m.

Mike Thaman, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Owens Corning, will address the graduates from the colleges of Health Sciences, Adult and Lifelong Learning, Social Justice and Human Services, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Business and Innovation, Communication and the Arts, Languages, Literature and Social Sciences and the Judith Herb College of Education.

“Mike Thaman’s vision and leadership are truly aligned with the University’s commitment to best equip our students with the knowledge and guidance that will help them succeed,” said Dr. Nagi Naganathan, interim president.

There are 2,252 candidates for degrees including 113 doctoral candidates, 594 master’s candidates and 1,461 bachelor’s candidates. The remaining 84 candidates are for education specialist, graduate certificates or associate’s degrees. The ceremony will be broadcast live on video.utoledo.edu.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be rescheduled for Sunday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. in Savage Arena.

Thaman has held positions in manufacturing, corporate development and international business since joining Owens Corning, a world leader in building materials and composite systems, in 1992.

He has held numerous positions including vice president and president of the Engineered Pipe Systems business, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium; vice president and president of Owen’s Corning’s Exterior Systems Business; and senior vice president and chief financial officer.

A longtime corporate strategist and leader, Thaman emphasizes a human-emphasized approach in helping American businesses thrive.

When he accepted a company leadership award from the National Safety Council earlier this year, he focused on the human-rights aspect of company safety. “For more than 75 years, Owens Corning has understood the importance of having engaged, productive employees who arrive home to their families and friends, without incident, the same way they left.”

Prior to joining Owens Corning, Thaman spent six years as a strategy consultant at Mercer Management Consulting, where he was a vice president in the New York office. He serves as director of Florida Power & Light Co., Owens Corning Fabricating Solutions and Advanced Glassfiber Yarns LLC. For NextEra Energy Inc., Thaman served as an independent director for more than 10 years and as its lead director until this year. He served as a director of AGY Holding Corp., and as director of Florida Power & Light Group, Inc.

Thaman earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering and computer science from Princeton University.

Other commencement ceremonies taking place include:

• College of Engineering: graduate commencement 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18; undergraduate commencement 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. Both ceremonies held in Nitschke Auditorium.
• College of Nursing: 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 in Nitschke Auditorium.

For more information, visit utoledo.edu/commencement.

Media Coverage
The Blade (Dec. 13, 2014)
The Blade (Dec. 21, 2014)